In total, there are more than 640 gas stations in the country. The inspectorate selected 10 stations for inspection, about which complaints were received: 4 stations have already been subjected to control, another 6 are in the process.
The head of the State Inspectorate, Sergiu Dărănută, explained that the cause of freezing is mostly in the tanks of cars: when refueling in winter, condensate is formed, which can crystallize and clog the filters. Diesel fuel itself contains paraffin, which is necessary for engine operation – the only question is the crystallization temperature.
“Presumably, the problem occurs in the tanks of gas stations, not in central warehouses. Fuel from tanker trucks can arrive at low temperatures, and when it is discharged into the stationary tank of a gas station, condensation forms and crystallizes on the tank walls. Most of the complaints are specifically about the vehicle’s tank. Today we continue sampling at gas stations, samples are sent to the laboratory. The results will be ready in a week or two, depending on the workload of the laboratory. Based on the results of the analysis, the inspectorate will inform citizens about the quality of fuel and, if necessary, prosecute violators,” Derenutse said.
Violators may be held liable: fines of up to 9,000 lei or equal to the value of the sold fuel are envisaged.
The Inspectorate reminds that citizens can report problems with fuel by calling the call-center 022-515151 or on the website consumator.gov.md, keeping the receipts and documents of the filling station – this will help in case of appealing to the court.
